Ageism is alive and well in retirement living, and paternalism is one aspect of it. It is the over-protecting of older people by assuming they are unable to take care of themselves. This sets the provider up as the "expert" making all the decisions in a power dynamic that fosters dependence, discouragement and depression.
A common statement often heard here from entry level staff to management is that "our goal is to keep seniors safe." This attitude has spawned layer upon layer of "rules" which are quoted regularly by staff from all levels. My observation is most of these rules, as quoted, typically prevent the resident from doing something, ie. opening a window. It does not seem possible to me that so many staff members took the time to memorize such a large collection of rules so they can accurately quote them at will. There is probably an interesting research study here somewhere.
Our windows can only be cracked a few inches.